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Living by Personal Resolve

1 Samuel 24:8–22

Paul J. Bucknell

Perplexing moments | Inner testings | Personal resolve | Questions

3. Living by Personal Resolve (1 Samuel 24:8-22)

24:19 “For if a man finds his enemy, will he let him go away safely? May the LORD therefore reward you with good in return for what you have done to me this day. 20 “And now, behold, I know that you shall surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel shall be established in your hand. 21 “So now swear to me by the LORD that you will not cut off my descendants after me, and that you will not destroy my name from my father’s household.” 22 And David swore to Saul. And Saul went to his home, but David and his men went up to the stronghold.

Proper theology displays itself in righteousness

There is a remarkable breakthrough here toward the end of the chapter. No, Saul is not instantly struck by God like Nabal. Saul’s hunt for David’s life continues as if Saul had forgotten these brave lessons, which was probably a big disappointment in itself. But Saul did have a breakthrough, though temporary, where his terror and fears disappeared for a fleeting moment. Saul could, for that brief moment, sense God’s love, mercy, and grace through David. He could understand David’s inner struggle. And in that moment of truth, Saul cared for another—his descendants—more than himself. “So now swear to me by the LORD that you will not cut off my descendants after me, and that you will not destroy my name from my father’s household” (24:21). David, also in this moment, was extraordinarily gracious by honoring that oath.

Despite Saul's remarkable transformation, David wisely went to the stronghold. He did not trust Saul’s new perception of David. As a result, David and his men lived in the wilderness for a long time because Saul had indeed forgotten these valuable lessons.

The Psalms display David’s real inner struggles.

35:1 (A Psalm of David.) Contend, O LORD, with those who contend with me; Fight against those who fight against me. 2 Take hold of buckler and shield, and rise up for my help. 3 Draw also the spear and the battle-axe to meet those who pursue me; Say to my soul, “I am your salvation.” 4 Let those be ashamed and dishonored who seek my life; Let those be turned back and humiliated who devise evil against me.

In the Psalms, we see firsthand how God shaped David’s heart during difficult times. Notice the struggles mentioned in the psalm, such as the personal attacks on David where he seemed helpless. This was the case when Saul was chasing him, yet he couldn’t fight back. In verse 4, David clearly states what was true about Saul and how he pursued David’s life. Nonetheless, there are several principles that show how David placed his final trust in the Lord.

This Psalm doesn’t come from a place where David felt powerless, but rather from a moment when he refused to do what others expected. This is remarkable. David resisted taking personal revenge against King Saul multiple times. He had the opportunity, but chose not to. Instead, we see David exercising faith in God’s broader plan. Unknowingly, David becomes an example of the bold statement from James, “Mercy triumphs over judgment” (James 2:13). Deeply rooted in David, this act of mercy would become a key characteristic of the Anointed One who would later descend from him. David served as a model of grace, embodying our Savior’s work.

A Portrait of the Savior (John 3:17-18)

Whether David was used as an example for people to see the coming Messiah, the Anointed One, or whether this trait was simply passed down through the genes to the Anointed One, we just don't know. However, these characteristics of David were also seen in Jesus, David’s descendant.

First, we see David withholding revenge. Second, David shows mercy, and third, David waits for the Father’s timing for revenge. There was a more important principle at stake, however, that the Messiah would portray with His own life. His safety and well-being were not as important to Him as the Father’s greater purposes.

“For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through Jesus” (John 3:17).

Summary

  • Opportunity does not dictate God’s will.

  • Pay attention to one’s conscience.

  • Identify God’s greater purposes/truths.

  • Choose mercy over revenge (God is Judge.)

  • Like Jesus, pour God’s mercy and grace on this world.

Perplexing moments | Inner testings | Personal resolve | Questions